the cypriot government denies that. now the country is hoping newly discovered gas reserves off the coast will help pay back credit from the eu in a relatively short time. the first contract with energy companies have been signed. while billions are being spent to bail out the banks, many indebted families feel they have been abandoned. >> seven months ago, we applied for social welfare relief. we have not had an answer yet. >> antonin solaris as a bit of money driving a taxi. he says the streets are becoming more and more empty. most people do not shop or go out anymore. he sees only occasional demonstrations against austerity measures. he says he wishes he could turn back the clock sometimes. >> i should not have taken out so many loans, and i should have been more careful with my money. i tell youngsters like my son to watch how they spend their money. they are going to have it tough. they have to learn that they cannot have everything they want. >> low taxes, cheap credit, and ill-thought and russian gains boosted t